The Aggies’ first trip to Hawaii began like a honeymoon, but ended in disappointment as they lost the match 23-25, 25-16, 25-21, 25-16.
UC Davis came out on Thursday with a solid punch to the gut of Hawaii as they quickly stole a thrilling first set by a score of 23-25. But it wasn’t enough to control the dynamic attack of the Wahine.
The Aggies came into Cal State Northridge on Saturday night, hungry for a road win, but were sorely disappointed as they dropped their second match in a row 25-15, 23-25, 25-18, 25-23.
Junior Devon Damelio sported consistent quality performances in both matches over the week, tallying a total of 24 kills and a respectable .250 and .281 hitting percentage in each respective game.
The Aggies fall to 10-12 overall and 4-5 in Big West play. UC Davis will continue with two more games on the road against Cal State Fullerton and UC Riverside before returning back to the Pavillion in early November.
The team will look to respond positively with two wins on the road and will hope to ride that wave of momentum back onto their home court.
Thursday – Hawai’i 3, UC Davis 1
For a moment, the Aggies appeared to have found a fatal hole in the University of Hawai’i’s armor — but it was one that lasted only briefly.
After hours of flying across the ocean, the Aggies arrived in Hawaii ready to play, scoring an improbable victory in game one of their matchup with the heavily favored Warriors. But the sweet smell of paradise was short-lived and the Wahine responded with an abrupt reality check of their own, taking the next three games to win the match.
In Hawaii, an attitude of “go big or go home” was not just a statement reserved for the local surfers. Both teams maintained an aggressive mindset throughout the match, missing a combined 24 serves.
The Aggies continued to butt heads with the Wahine, keeping afloat by making a late surge in the third set, but the balanced attack of Hawaii proved too much to handle.
Senior Allison Whitson and junior Devon Damelio boasted impressive games with 13 kills apiece. Whitson claimed a .257 hitting percentage, while Damelio finished with .250.
Junior setter Jenny Woolway also stepped up with 36 assists and a team-high 11 digs of her own.
The first round has gone to Hawai’i, but there is no doubt this match has established a precedent and an expectation for all forthcoming matches between these two talented squads.
Saturday – Cal State Northridge 3, UC Davis 1
Cal State Northridge’s confidence was in full force coming off a five-set win against the University of Pacific as they took on the travel-beaten Aggies on Saturday night.
Pacific came out strong with their well-balanced attack in the first set, claiming the win 25-15.
UC Davis responded well in game two as they pulled away with the resilient 23-25 win.
Coach Holmes mixed things up a bit in this match, starting junior setter Lindsay Dowd in the place of Woolway, who was coming off a gritty match against the Wahine.
Dowd set a personal record with 32 assists in the match, but unfortunately the Aggies were not able to tack up a win to go along with her achievement.
After long flights and little sleep, it appeared the Aggies were simply unable to muster the energy to pull of a come-from-behind win on the road.
UC Davis continues their road travels next week as they match up with Cal State Fullerton and UC Riverside for their weekend series before returning home for a well-deserved rest.
PK HATTIS can be reached at sports@theaggie.org.
